A U.S. Geological Survey study published in the Journal of the American Water Resources Association found that "The application of sewage sludge as fertilizer on farm fields can leave traces of prescription drugs and household chemicals long after the biosolid has been applied to the soil," reports Agri-Pulse, a Washington newsletter. The study found that "Chemicals from antibacterial soaps, cleaners, cosmetics and prescription drugs like Prozac are found in greater concentrations deep in the soil and could find their way into groundwater sources."
The study, which was conducted over several years, was limited to testing in an eastern Colorado wheat field that used treated sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, Agri-Pulse writes. Researchers "cited 57 'emerging' contaminants that appear with growing regularity. They found 10 of the contaminants anywhere from seven to 50 inches down 18 months after the sludge was applied at points where the contaminants did not previously exist. Some 7 million tons of treated sewage sludge is applied to farm fields each year." The effects of the contaminates on humans and the environment is unknown. (Read more)
The study, which was conducted over several years, was limited to testing in an eastern Colorado wheat field that used treated sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, Agri-Pulse writes. Researchers "cited 57 'emerging' contaminants that appear with growing regularity. They found 10 of the contaminants anywhere from seven to 50 inches down 18 months after the sludge was applied at points where the contaminants did not previously exist. Some 7 million tons of treated sewage sludge is applied to farm fields each year." The effects of the contaminates on humans and the environment is unknown. (Read more)
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